Nathan MottonUmpiring system seriously flawed
April 27th 2008 08:17
The umpiring system has serious flaws that need ironing out - fast.
After umpire Damien Sully was dropped this week, presumably for a terrible bounce at the MCG last Saturday night, this scribe has real concerns over the merit of such a decision.
In fact it was a call that reeks of double-standards.
Umpires are the most treasured facet of the AFL. They are untouchable.
Coaches can't speak about them and players can't comment on them, otherwise fines and absurd 'please explains' are issued.
The league tows the line they do this to ensure more and more umpires are introduced and retained without the risk of being continually undermined.
But surely dropping an umpire for a poor bounce (admittedly it was said it wasn't just that bounce) would act as more of a deterrent than an occasional sledge from a coach.
Not all umpires are good bouncers of the ball, and for those juniors coming through the ranks what kind of message does this send?
Have a few bad bounces over the course of a couple of games and your head will be on the blocks?
This scribe still believes the bounce must be kept in the game, but like players, umpires' strengths must be utilised.
The game has evolved at such an alarming rate, that an umpires role has become even more difficult.
The league bosses need to trial a new system, one by where umpires have something to aspire to.
Boundary umpires need to be increased from two to four, and they need to be given decision making responsibilities.
This system means that kids would start out as boundary umpires, and learn the trade while not being on the front line.
And why aren't umpires employed full-time by the AFL?
A full-time employee with a good job, and incentives, wouldn't want to give it up. Surely these measures would generate more umpires into the game, and more importantly, keep them there.
After umpire Damien Sully was dropped this week, presumably for a terrible bounce at the MCG last Saturday night, this scribe has real concerns over the merit of such a decision.
In fact it was a call that reeks of double-standards.
Umpires are the most treasured facet of the AFL. They are untouchable.
Coaches can't speak about them and players can't comment on them, otherwise fines and absurd 'please explains' are issued.
The league tows the line they do this to ensure more and more umpires are introduced and retained without the risk of being continually undermined.
Not all umpires are good bouncers of the ball, and for those juniors coming through the ranks what kind of message does this send?
Have a few bad bounces over the course of a couple of games and your head will be on the blocks?
This scribe still believes the bounce must be kept in the game, but like players, umpires' strengths must be utilised.
The game has evolved at such an alarming rate, that an umpires role has become even more difficult.
The league bosses need to trial a new system, one by where umpires have something to aspire to.
Boundary umpires need to be increased from two to four, and they need to be given decision making responsibilities.
This system means that kids would start out as boundary umpires, and learn the trade while not being on the front line.
And why aren't umpires employed full-time by the AFL?
A full-time employee with a good job, and incentives, wouldn't want to give it up. Surely these measures would generate more umpires into the game, and more importantly, keep them there.
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